Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

This is Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II]. September 2nd may be the end of the war in your country, but in Japan, August 15th is generally considered the end of the war, when the Emperor announced the end of the war. I want overseas humans to be known about Japanese human's feeling.

〉Japanese

Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

 Today marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Ⅱ. As we commemorate this day, I deeply mourn all those who lost their lives, and I renew my determination to learn from history and build a better future.

 Since the Meiji era, our country resisted colonial rule by the great powers, and our victory in the Russo-Japanese War gave great hope to the people of Asia. However, after World War I, Japan became increasingly imperialistic and betrayed those expectations. The political distrust triggered by the Great Depression accelerated our path toward a military state, leading to the Manchurian Incident, our withdrawal from the League of Nations, the Sino-Japanese War, and ultimately the Greater East Asia War, in which countless precious lives were lost.

 Eighty years ago today, Japan was defeated by the Allied Powers. We offer our heartfelt condolences to those who left their homes to fight for their country and families and never returned. We also mourn the many civilians who lost their lives in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the air raids on various locations, and the fierce battles in Okinawa. Additionally, we express our deepest sympathy to those who were unable to return home after the war and those who suffered from its physical and mental aftereffects.

 The peace and prosperity we enjoy today are built upon the immeasurable sacrifices of those who lost their lives and the tireless efforts of those who rebuilt Japan from the ashes. As eighty years have passed since the war's end, the majority of our population consists of generations who have never experienced it. This makes it even more important for us to deeply honor these noble sacrifices and to strive to build a peaceful Japan for generations to come.

 Before the war, Japan betrayed the expectations of Asian countries, repeatedly invading and waging war, and causing great suffering to many nations. After the war, Japan deeply reflected on these mistakes and began a new journey as a democratic and peaceful nation. We apologized to the countries we fought against and returned to the international community.

 Precisely because our country has made mistakes in the past and has repeatedly reflected on them, I strongly hope for the maintenance of world peace through diplomacy rather than force. Furthermore, as the only country in the world to have suffered atomic bombings, I believe it is our crucial responsibility in the international community to raise awareness about the threat of nuclear weapons and to work toward their complete abolition.

 Looking toward the next 100 years and beyond, I believe Japan should promote peace diplomacy as a central member of the international community to achieve lasting global peace.

 At the same time, we must not blindly oppose military expansion and hinder discussion. Today, when neighboring countries threaten Japan's inviolable sovereignty, we must engage in repeated discussions and explore various methods for the sake of peace.

 On this 80th anniversary, I once again pay my respects and offer my deepest condolences to the spirits of the fallen, and I pledge to devote my utmost efforts to the peace of our country and the world.

 August 15, 2025

 Aisawa Hokuto